Former Rosemead Mayor Admits To Taking $10K In Bribes From Property Developer

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The former mayor of Rosemead pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of soliciting and accepting more than $10,000 in bribes from a property developer.

John Tran, 36, of Rosemead, was first elected to the Rosemead City Council in 2005 and served as mayor from 2007 to 2009. Tran agreed to the plea deal in exchange for not facing prosecution on obstruction of justice and extortion charges, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Tran admitted to approaching the developer at Rosemead City Hall and accepting a series of payments in exchange for helping the developer get a mixed-use project approved.

The developer made cash payments totaling $7,000 in 2005 and 2006, and the developer’s business partner wrote a $3,200 check to Tran in 1007, according to the plea agreement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Tran was voted out of office after the payments were made, and the city never approved the project.

Tran faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 when he’s sentenced on Aug. 6.